"Something new, something old, no matter what you hold. Throw them both into the river for my 30 pieces of silver." Charlie mused at the message. She and Thorne had been thinking about it all night. While for him it was insomnia, for Charlie it was worry.

What did dad want? Did he want her to close the hotel? Was it another conversation about Vaggie? Why was he always cryptic? Why did he…

"Charlie." Thorne said sternly, "You're gonna wear a hole in the floor if you continue pacing like that."

"Oh… right." She said defeated, sinking into the couch, the lack of sleep was starting to catch up with her. Charlie sighed, Vaggie had gone to bed hours ago urging her to do the same. But she couldn't, her father, Lucifer had requested to see her. Formally. He'd never done that before, and to call the Infernal Court also, she couldn't remember the last time he had done that.

"I'm sure everything will be fine." The younger demon assured her. Glancing back down to the card.

"What do you think?" Charlie asked.

"That we need to take two belongings. One old, one new and throw them into the river that surrounds your father's palace."

"No… I mean, yes. I knew that bit. But what do you think he wants?"

"No point in theorizing. We have nothing to go off."

"Are you nervous?" Charlie asked, rising from the couch and stretching. Hoping the stretch would drive the need for sleep from her body.

"My dearest Charlotte!" Alastor chimed in, walking in from the hallway and putting his arms around them. "He's terrified, I can smell it on him. Either that or I left the stove on.". Canned laughter played as Alastor gave his trademark smile. "Shall we?"

Iscariot Palace was mighty. A grand castle by any standard. Thorne would've told the owner they had issues, were it not for who the owner was. The same apple motif from the hotel was plastered everywhere. From the redness of the flags and banners, to the topiary and stained glass in the windows. The castle was surrounded by a moat, the water itself made up of the five great rivers of Hell; Asphodel, Acheron, Styx, Lethe and Cocytus.

The offerings were easy; a new pen and an old psychiatry book. They all fell into the icy water and disappeared. Thorne had understood the meaning behind this. It was a test of loyalty.

Thorne sniffed in the cold, what he wouldn't do for a decent cup of herbal tea. The three of them had been the first to arrive, and as per the rules laid out by Lucifer, had to wait outside till everyone else turned up. Now the feline didn't mind waiting, but he did mind waiting outside in the cold. But again, Lucifer said that visitors to the castle had to arrive and leave on foot.

"You know Charlie." Thorne rumbled, his deep voice breaking the silence. "I think you're missing a trick here."

The princess raised an eyebrow.

"You could have sold some branded merch to advertise the hotel." Thorne quipped with a coy smile, "Like… Charlie Cardigans or something."

Charlie blew into her hands and rubbed them together. She was still nervous, but less so when Thorne was around, he'd only been around for a few days but if felt longer, it was as if she had known him for years, like a big brother. With everything going on an older sibling would've been nice. She needed someone who could tell her…

"Look Via!" A voice cried out from behind the trio. "We're not the first ones here! I said you'd have someone to talk to."

Stolas and Octavia made their way up the expansive drive. The pink gravel crunching under their weight. The prince, wearing his regal attire had his arms outstretched, delighted to see fellow demons. His eyes narrowed when he saw Thorne.

"You." Stolas grumbled as he closed the distance between them. "I did exactly what you told me, but my bush is still a mess."

Thorne bit his tongue and stifled a laugh as Octavia shut her eyes, groaning in embarrassment.

"Well…" Thorne chuckled, "Cana cani infernalis is in the violent family. Simply trimming it with a pair of sheers won't be enough. You need to try with something oil-based."

It took a few more minutes for the rest of the princes and overlords to arrive. Angel was absolutely right, "fucking harlequin babies". After throwing their offerings into the moat they stuck in their groups and only gave fleeting glances to their counterparts. The previous silence gave way to gentle murmuring which was broken by a piercing cry.

"FUCKING CUNT!"

The demonic crowd turned to the source of the expletive and saw Valentino, walking, pistol drawn at Thorne.

A slender demon with pale white skin stood between the two of them.

"Now, now Valentino. Do you really think this is appropriate behaviour?" Rosie smirked.

"Piss off, crazy bitch."

That remark earned Valentino a snarl from Alastor as his eyes glowed menacingly.

"Crazy Bitch?" Thorne mused, "The feathers might be a tad ostentatious. But frankly I think she's killing it."

"Thank you dear." Rosie smiled, giving a backwards glance.

"You're just lucky you got the princess' skirt to hide behind, you twitchy twat." The giant moth threatened. The fur of his jacket trembling as his body shook in anger. "That whore is mine, YOU HEAR ME!"

"Whatever you say pumpkin." Thorne mocked, "now pop that pistol back in your purse."

"I'm gunna gut you pussy-cat, their ain't no place in Hell you can hide from me."

"Oh, stop flirting with me Val." Thorne teased, "I can only get so erect."

An eruption of laughter broke out from the onlookers. Val gave one last snarl before turning away. Thorne rummaged in his pocket, bringing out a boiled sweet and slowly unwrapping it.

The laughter was quickly ended by the drawbridge dropping with a crash. It seems Lucifer was ready to admit guests. Each demon steeling themselves, walked two by two into the castle.

Everyone sat in silence around the conference table, they had been directed to their seats by the imp butlers, Thorne was nervous, he was sitting by the head of the table, where instead of a single chair was a scarlet leather chaise longue. The dark room was lavishly decorated, again with an apple motif. Even the air smelt like apples. Thorne was starting to sense a theme.

No one dared speak. They were still waiting for their king to arrive, but that didn't stop Valentino from shooting dirty looks at Thorne. Everyone remained silent, till a calm and assertive voice pierced the darkness.

"Hello children, mummy and daddy have arrived." A couple stepped out from the shadows of the dimly lit room.

A breath caught in Thorne's throat. Lucifer was exactly as portrayed in his portraits. Short curled blonde hair kept under a cloud-white top hat, both of which framed his flawless porcelain skin, drawn back in a smile too large for his face. Ruddy cheeks matching the lining of his jacket and waistcoat. Thorne also felt the power emanating from him, if Alastor's aura made Thorne's fur tingle, he guessed one touch from this fallen angel could incinerate him.

The woman on Lucifer's arm was stunning, not that Thorne went for that sort of thing. But even he would have to admit to her beauty. This demoness' refulgent amber eyes didn't just sparkle in the light of the room, they seemed to cast a light all of themselves.

"You are quite right, Thorne." Lucifer chuckled, both he and his wife taking a seat on the leather couch. "Now do not panic my dear boy." Lucifer continued his smile getting wider, noticing the confusion on Thorne's face. "You did not say that out loud, yes I can read minds and thank you for keeping it clean. Not many people can."

"Would you like to know what I am thinking right now Charlotte?" Lucifer asked, leaning toward his daughter who remained motionless in her chair.

"What's that dad?" Charlie lifted her gaze to meet her father's.

"That Thorne's suit makes him look like James Bond." The Devil turned his head to his wife, "What do you think Lilith?"

"Perhaps." The succubus murmured, "Although the clip does not look quite right."

A black hand snatched Thorne's tie clip off his body. Lucifer gently twirled it in his hand.

"You are right of course my love." Lucifer seductively muttered, gazing at his wife before turning his attention to the small silver object. Bringing it closer to his face his eyes glowed a deep red, causing it the start bleeding. The bleeding soon stopped, but Thorne's tie clip had kept the scarlet hue.

Lilith handed the clip rose gracefully from her seat, leaning over reattached it to Thorne's tie.

"There much better." Lucifer said proudly. "You are not an Overlord without a physical container for the soul. What do you say Thorne?"

"Thank you sire."

"Oh, aren't you darling. Calling me sire and all that." Lucifer chortled. "No, you silly sausage. I was hoping for an apology due to the little pickle; you and Valentino find yourself in…"

"PICKLE!?" Valentino roared, rising from his chair and pointing an accusatory finger at the feline. "THAT FUCKER DESTROYED MY CAR. I DEMAND…"

"You do not make demands of me Valentino." Lucifer sombrely stated his smile falling, the menace and base in his voice rising. The air growing hotter and the lights dimming. Panic filled Valentino's eyes as he realised what he had done. The Devil's eyes turned dark; he kept his gaze directed at Thorne. "Now sit, and never speak that way to me again."

The moth demon, deflated, sank back into his chair and the air became breathable again.

"Now" Lucifer continued his smile returning, "Thorne, you should know something. Daddy does not like it when his children fight outside of an extermination. Because then I cannot watch and see who loves me more. Put an end to this childish bickering and settle it now."

"How are we supposed to do that sir?" Thorne queried, "If we can't kill each other."

Lucifer chuckled and pulled out a pack of playing cards. "Why do you think I invented so many games to play with these things? So here is the deal, a poker game in one month's time for your heart's desire. In the meantime, leave each other alone. Any questions?"

Thorne raised his hand, "Yes." All the other demons present gave what could only be described as a 'what the fuck' face. Clearly Lucifer's question was rhetorical.

Lucifer just smiled. "Go on."

"Why did you bring us all here?" Thorne asked, "You didn't need to convene the court to settle this. It isn't a display of power; one wouldn't be necessary since everyone here is either terrified or loves you. So… something has happened, something that you require all of us to work together on."

The congregation remained in stunned silence, no one questioned Lucifer.

"You really are a smarty-pants." Lucifer smiled. His smile quickly dropped. "What do you think of the recent suicides?"

"Not suicides for two reasons."

"Those being?"

"You wouldn't be interested if they were. And each of the victims had lost their eyes, if they had simply ingested them then that would be one thing. The fact that they tore them out, means one thing. A serial killer, now a regular serial killer is boring, you've got killers-a-plenty down here. So, it is one you can't identify, thus can't control, which is a threat to the stability of Hell."

Lucifer turned to Charlie, "I can see why you keep him around, he's more than just a pretty face. But you have made a mistake Thorne. I have a name, Mia Halantine."

Thorne froze in shock, Mia?! The demon who took Abigail's life.

"Well volunteered!" Lucifer cried, noticing Thorne's surprise, rising from his seat and looking down the table at the court of demons. "I charge Thorne with the capture and apprehension of this creature. You will aid him in any reasonable way, any question he asks you relating to this matter you will answer truthfully. Is this understood?"

"Yes majesty." Was the resounding reply.

"Now Thorne, what would you like to ask them first?"

"I'm not sure how your first question was of any use." Charlie asked Thorne as they made their way into the hotel. Shutting the front door with a click. "You asked them if they knew who Mia was."

"And they all answered no. And since we know that they cannot lie to me about it, we have eliminated all demons from within each Overlord and Prince's spheres of influence."

Charlie and Thorne walked into the foyer, Alastor having left the two of them to spend time with Rosie. Charlie yawned; it was past midnight. They had spent all day and night at Iscariot Palace, Thorne had asked various questions to each of the Overlords and Princes. Some questions seemed sensible and others seemed outright bizarre, yet Thorne insisted that he had a plan.

"G'Night Thorne." Charlie waved as she made her way upstairs. Thorne nodded and made his way into the bar for a nightcap.

Husk like always was tending, wearing a haunted gaze and looking out of the window. Nuggets started snuffling around Thorne's feet while Angel sat at the bar in a yellow "Nap Sack" shirt wearing an equally haunted expression.

Angel and Husk alone in a room together, and Angel wasn't flirting. Something was wrong.

Thorne cleared his throat, the two demons looked up. Husk straightened himself and grabbed the nearest bottle.

"It's tomorrow kid." He slurred at the doctor, moving to the doorway. "Ya gunna be there like always?"

"Of course I will Husk."

"I don't wanna fuckin' go." The older cat complained, before collapsing to his knees. Thorne rushed to help him up but had his hands battered away.

"Not yet… not fucking now." Husk swore before staggering away.

"Fuck was that 'bout?" Angel asked, slipping off his stool.

"A wedding invitation…" Thorne muttered concerned, "I guessed he'd still be up. But why are you?"

"Couldn't sleep."

"Why not?"

"Nightmare."

"You say that like it's always the same one."

Angel looked back out the window and shrugged.

"Nah, just same kinda shit."

Thorne took a seat next to the spider demon.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really, Chuck said that it's normal to feel like crap sometimes."

"She's right, but it is also a good idea to talk about it."

"Well, it aint easy doc. It's fucked up."

"I'm a psychiatrist, Angel. I did an entire semester on fucked up at medical school."

Angel sat in silence for a few moments, opening and closing his mouth but not finding the words.

Thorne stood, moved to the front door and beckoned, "Come with me."

"Wha?"

"We'll just go for a walk outside. Just a few times around the hotel."

You couldn't really call it dawn. Hell didn't have a sun. Yet the sky got brighter all the same.

"You might find it easier to speak out here." Thorne suggested, as he and Angel slowly walked around the building.

"I'm sorry about the kiss." The spider blurted.

"That's fine Angel, I completely understand."

"No, I fuck up every relationship I have. No matter what."

"I take it Valentino is the one who invades your dreams."

"Meh." Angel looked down, "It's always the same. I'm with him and he has Nugs. He says that he'll kill him unless I… do… do stuff."

Thorne just nodded.

"So, I give in and… do… what he wants. And Nuggets changes, he ain't my cute piggy no more. He's gross, slobbery and diseased. What the shits up with that, doc?"

"Cute animals are symbols for innocence." Thorne suggested. Getting a scoff from Angel.

"I ain't innocent."

"You're more innocent than you think." Thorne continued, "And Valentino turning up shows that your subconscious is trying to tell you to get away from him."

"Huh, like I needed a dream to tell me that." Angel snorted, pulling out his cigarettes and lighting up. "It's bullshit is what it is."

The two demons remained silent for a few minutes before Angel spoke.

"They teach you dream stuff at brain school or summin?"

Thorne chuckled, "More of a personal obsession. You've been in my room Angel, what was missing from it?"

Angel pondered for a moment, "No bed?"

"Precisely, not much point in having one if I can't use it."

"I thought ya slept on that examination bed like some kinda… weirdo. So, guess you get nightmares to."

Thorne simply nodded, "That's why I take frequent walks out here. I hypnotise myself, walk and allow my brain to relax."

"Like a shark?" Angel asked with a wry smile.

"I guess so." Thorne replied with a toothy grin. "If you want, I can do the same to you?"

"Really?"

Thorne grabbed Angel's hand, turned to face him and started walking backwards, continuing to lead Angel around the hotel. The cat demon slowly removed the locket from around his neck, let it hang between them and stared into Angel's eyes.

"Of course, I can." Thorne murmured; his eyes glowing. His voice getting deeper. "But I need something from you first, Angel. I want you to look at my locket. See how it catches the light, such a warm glow, very comforting. I want you to think back, back to a time when you felt calm and relaxed can you do that for me?"

"Yes" Angel said softly, his eyes slowly closing as he fell under Thorne's gaze. Thorne smiled tired minds were easier to hypnotise.

"What do you see Angel?"

"Molly. We're eating cookies and watching TV."

"Very good, Angel. And you can just let your eyes close. While you hold that memory in the centre of your head. As you take each step, you find yourself becoming more relaxed."

The pair continued like this for a few minutes more. Angel's feet dragging along the ground, till his head tilted and he fell forward into Thorne's arms. Knowing he only had a few minutes, Thorne leaned forward.

"Oh, fearsome demon who wants to stay, rested in the light of day. Should nightmares come and cause a plight, sleep in love till dawn's fair light."

Angel smiled as he fell deeper into sleep. As Thorne lifted him from the dewy ground, he snuggled into Thorne's chest. The spider demon breathed deeply and sighed one word.

"Chocolate."

I really struggled with this one, wasn't sure how to portray Lucifer or Lilith. That and I've been busy with work and really distracted.

I'd like to hear more from the rest of you, do you like where the story is going so far? Anything you would like to see?

And before you ask, no Alastor did not 'get it on' with Rosie, they are just friends.

Anyone wanna hazard a guess what this wedding is all about?